So this week I want to tackle a difficult topic: Adult bullies. It’s bad enough to have adults bully other adults. That’s already disgusting but what’s so much worse is when adults bully children. Taking advantage of your power over children is deplorable. I’ve worked with kids in some capacity for many years now. And I have seen many things. Some things have brought tears to my eyes.
Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable in our population. In many cases they don’t have the ability to speak for themselves. When an adult knows that they have a responsibility to protect the child, that’s not always what happens. Working in a school has afforded me the opportunity to see many things; Both good and bad. Most recently I’ve seen a person abuse their power over children by calling them out of their name and berating them. I’ve even heard this adult call a child stupid. I watched this poor child shrink into himself. He was embarrassed and humiliated. The adult felt validated because the child had displayed negative behavior. But what actually happened was the behavior was reinforced with words that tore him down as opposed to building him up.
We have no idea what these kids are experiencing in their homes. Some of these students have stress and responsibilities that they should not have. So to come to school already under pressure and be spoken to in the most disrespectful way is emotional abuse. As a parent I am furious. As an educator I am both saddened and disappointed. If I as a parent were to hear or find out about an adult speaking to my child in this way I would demand this person be removed immediately. Many of these kids don’t have anyone that would advocate for them. Don’t be the cause of their life being worse than it already is.
If you don’t have patience choose a career that doesn't involve children. Or better yet no people at all. Choose a job that you can do from home if you don’t work well with others. Broken children become broken adults. Don’t contribute to a child’s brokenness. Most importantly heal yourself so you don’t go through life spewing your venom on others. Parents, if your child comes home and tells you an adult hurt their feelings, don't dismiss it. They are not being overly sensitive; they are little humans with feelings. Make sure you are not perpetuating that hurt. Fight for them!